About 700 gamers from 67 countries have gathered at Singapore to celebrate the beginning of the world's largest PC and Video game festival, where they will compete over the next four days at Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Centre for international honors and prizes worth more than US$435,000.

Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore¡¯s Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports and Second Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Jong-Yong Yun, WCG Committee Co-Chairman, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Electronics, officially opened the 2005 World Cyber Games, praising organizers for choosing a host city that `serves as the ideal hub for new ideas and innovation`.

`World Cyber Games is the biggest e-sport event on earth. I am honored to be part of this gaming festival. Hosting WCG will go some way in helping us achieve our vision of developing Singapore as a hub for the games industry. We hope in the next few years, we will have developed Singapore creations and play some of these games at future international gaming tournaments,¡± said Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.

Amidst a colorful backdrop of dance performances and parade of nations, Mr. Jong-Yong Yun addressed the crowd. ``The WCG is gaining international recognition as the premier gaming and cultural event in the world," he said. `The World Cyber Games has grown to be the world`s most popular festival for digital entertainment. Youths from across the globe use online games to connect with each other and form friendships and communities that defy borders``.

Throughout the week, spectators can attend several side events at the tournament. A hip hop dance competition, toy collectible display, sponsor exhibits and a games developer conference will round out the week`s events.

WCG Grand Final will be broadcasted through MediaCorp; WCG`s official broadcaster at 11:30pm every night from 16-20 Nov., and all the events of WCG are free admission for the public. And for Singapore residents, lucky draw tickets are available nationwide at all SingTel hello shops, VideoPro, selected stores at Funan and Sim Lim Square (DAT Computers and Cybermind/Software Boutique), Ingram Micro Asia at Kallang Bahru and also ASUS Royal Club.